§ 18. Mr. John SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to extend the scope of the New Deal for the long-term unemployed. [119641]
§ Ms JowellThe New Deal for those aged 25 and over has already helped over 38,000 people into jobs. This year we are investing almost £100 million in strengthening the advisory process, making it more intensive and work-focused, and in extending the existing pilots. From April 2001, this New Deal will be extended to all those who have been unemployed for 18 months or more. It will provide intensive support to find work, including high quality training and work experience, building on the successful approach of New Deal for young people.